Men of God

A four-week character study on the lives of Jesus, Peter, Thomas, and Paul. Learn what it means to be a real man of God.

Men – Leading Like Jesus

Posted: August 25, 2020
Talking Points:
  • A servant’s heart flows from a position of authority. Because Jesus was secure in his rank, he was able to wash the feet of his disciples. John 13:3-4
  • Servant-leaders expect their followers to become servants, too. Jesus didn’t lower himself in order to raise up selfish leaders. John 13:12-14
  • The blessing of God is promised to men who will serve like Jesus. Selfish leaders won’t gain the advantage in the long run. John 13:15-17
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Have you ever seen a leader who steps on people? What happened?
  3. Read John 13:3-4 and John 13:12-14. In what ways did Jesus exemplify an “upside-down” principle of leadership? Give an example.
  4. What expectations do your superiors have for you? Explain.
  5. What expectations do you have for the people who work or serve under you? Explain.
  6. Read John 13:15-17. Are you looking to empower the people around you and underneath you to be servant-leaders? Explain
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Men – Stepping Out Like Peter

Posted: September 10, 2020

 

Talking Points:
  • Jesus puts his followers into situations that call for courage. God wants to stretch us. Matthew 14:24-25
  • Man’s first instinct is to try harder in the face of a trial. But true bravery finds its source in Christ’s presence, not in man’s strength. Matthew 14:27
  • Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. Before you step out in faith, bring it to Jesus in prayer. Matthew 14:28-29
  • The key to victory is the object of our focus. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on the storm that’s going on around you. Matthew 14:30-31
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Is it true that following Jesus means we won’t face trials? Explain.
  3. What trials have you faced in your life or are you facing right now?
  4. Read Matthew 14:27-29. Do you often step out before you pray, or do you pray before you step out? Why is it important to seek God before we step out?
  5. Read Matthew 14:30-31. “The key to our victory is the object of our faith.” Explain this statement. How have you seen this principle at work in your life or in others’ lives?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Investigating Faith Like Thomas

Posted: September 18, 2020

 

Talking Points:

  • The opposite of faith is disbelief, not doubt. Everyone has doubts, and Jesus is okay with that. John 20:25
  • Jesus is not afraid of our rational skepticism. He’s not offended by men who want more proof before they believe. John 20:26-27
  • The proper response to a proven Savior is personal faith. Only you can make a decision to trust Jesus for salvation. John 20:28-29

Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What are some doubts you’ve struggled through in your faith? Or what doubts are you working through presently?
  3. Read John 20:25. What is the biggest difference between doubt and disbelief?
  4. Read John 20:26-27. Is it okay to be skeptical of religious claims? Why or why not?
  5. Will we ever have all of our questions answered? Explain.
  6. Read John 20:28-29. What is the difference between reason and faith? Why is it important for Christians to have a reasonable faith?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Men – Pressing on Like Paul

Posted: September 24, 2020

 

Talking Points:
  • The pursuit of God calls for a radical commitment. Godly men throughout history have risked it all for the gospel. Philippians 3:10-11
  • The pursuit of God is a journey, not a destination. True discipleship takes grit and a growth mindset. Philippians 3:12
  • The pursuit of God is forward-looking, not caught up in the past. No skeleton in your closet can disqualify you from a pursuit of God. Philippians 3:13-14
  • Real men of God back up their words with their actions. Jesus is done with men who look the part but don’t live the part. Philippians 3:18-20
Discussion Questions:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Read Philippians 3:10-11. Do you share the same ideals as Paul? Explain.
  3. Read Philippians 3:12. In what ways is the Christian life focused on the journey? On what ways is it focused on the destination? Explain.
  4. Read Philippians 3:13-14. How can we often struggle with our pasts? How can we overcome looking back and instead look forward?
  5. Read Philippians 3:18-20. In what ways are you not backing up your words (or the image you present to others) with your actions? How can you start changing today?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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